THERE was only a minor shuffling of the NTSL pack on Saturday when not a single game reached a conclusion, and with all of the top four ending their games with the same five points they started them with there was no change whatsoever in the leading positions.

The much anticipated match at Ashington, where table-topping Tynedale were the visitors, never came under starter’s orders, while just a couple of overs were possible at Lanchester where Shotley Bridge were in the field.

Swalwell were a little luckier in terms of the amount of playing time they had, but after making 99-7 in their 41 overs they still couldn’t squeeze out any bonus points against Burnopfield who had been given the upper hand by Mark Nunn (3-26) and Stuart Atkinson (3-13 from 11 overs).

Alnmouth took the most points on the day, the ten they claimed from their home match with Annfield Plain certain to come in handy as they continue their battle to stay out of the bottom two. Nick Denton (3-25 from 12 overs) and Paul Straker (3-15) had made life tough for Annfield’s batters, only Shane Oliver (35 from 44 balls) showing the necessary application.

After bowling their visitors out for 142 in 45.2 overs, the rains arrived with Alnmouth on 32-0 after 7.4 overs of their reply.

The best innings of the day came from Ponteland’s Tom Seymour who cracked nine fours and two sixes on his way to a rousing 83, and with James Ritzema adding 47 brisk runs the visitors stood on 183- 5 after 40 overs batting against Ryton.

It was a similar story in Division A2 where leaders Bedlington did, at least, manage to pick up a few bonus points after Ben Harmison (43 from 40 balls) and Darren Leason (30 not out) had helped propel the Terriers to 155- 4 after 33 overs at Whickham.

Percy Main squeezed one more point than their promotion rivals from the day’s play after reaching 192-9 against Backworth.

Barry Stewart made 47 of those runs, but Andrew Beer’s unbeaten 37 proved just as crucial before everyone retired for the day to toast the number nine’s success.